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Abstract
Five cases of intraperitoneal hemorrhage associated with hypotension and the lack
of a tachycardic response are presented. All patients were young, previously healthy
women without a history of myocardial disease. None of our patients fits into the
category of “irreversible shock.” Although relative bradycardia associated with hypotension
is often considered a preterminal event, each of our patients recovered after laparotomy.
In hypovolemic shock due to intraperitoneal bleeding, the lack of a tachycardic response
may occur earlier and perhaps more often than has been suggested, and may delay definitive
treatment by confusing the clinical picture. Orthostatic vital signs may be helpful
in distinguishing those with true hypovolemia.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 4,
1986
Received:
January 21,
1986
Identification
Copyright
© 1986 Published by Elsevier Inc.
